PCB announced Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the upcoming second and third Test against England and they made some huge changes. After losing by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test, the selectors dropped former skipper Babar Azam was dropped from the team following his abysmal form in the format. Along with him, pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi were also dropped after their disappointing display in the first Test.
Media reports were already claiming that Babar could be axed from the side after the recommendations from the newly formed committee and as it turned out, the 29-year-old has not been picked in the squad. However, the PCB said in a statement that the board has decided to rest these players.
“Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed (who is recovering from dengue fever) was unavailable for selection,” PCB said in a statement.
“The four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad,” PCB added.
Reflecting on their decision of selecting the squad, Aqib Javed, member of the men’s national selection committee said that the team has been picked while considering form and Pakistan’s aim to bounce back in the series.
“Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” Javed said.
